UNIQUE ‘SCHOOL’ IN NAAS MILITARY BARRACKS

by ehistoryadmin on August 8, 2014

LEINSTER LEADER 27 OCTOBER 1956

Unique ‘School’ in Naas Military Barrack

As they walked through the gates of Naas Military Barracks fifty-five boys, whose ages range from about fifteen to seventeen, entered one of Ireland’s most unusual schools. They were arriving at the Irish National Army’s latest establishment, set up to equip them for an important job. On the completion of their training – three years of which will be spent in Naas—these boys will be Army technicians .

To the person who is not familiar with the “make-up” of a defence force the term technician may have but a vague meaning. But the technician is one of the most important parts of the force’s “machinery.” He has a special place in the organisation and is trained for important duties.

It is he who repairs broken woodworks and fittings, makes and repairs mechanical vehicles, attends to broken and damaged guns, and ensures a supply of electrical power to the troops at all times. Where would an army be without an ample quota of such men? It would soon be in a state of chaos.

There would be no one with sufficient knowledge or experience to maintain the army’s equipment, consequently, it could not function efficiently. An ordinary trooper is all right when it comes to fighting but put a spanner in his hand and tell him to replace a tank track, and more than likely, he is lost.

This is where the technician steps in. He is not trained to fight, but primarily to maintain and service equipment, and it is for this purpose that these boys have been brought to Naas from all parts of the country.

Many of them probably did not realise the importance of the position they are intended to occupy, but their training will give them a complete knowledge of the various trades necessary for an army technician.

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

Before they were accepted for the course each of the boys had to undergo a stiff medical test and interview, and each of them had already spent at least a year in a technical school.

In the Naas school they will undergo a three-year course, which will cover apprentice training in one of the following trades: Carpenter, fitter, body-builder, joiner, armourer, electrician. On the completion of the course the lads will then be divided up amongst the various corps where they are required. They will spend the remainder of their nine-year enlistment in the regular army, and when finished may re-enlist or go on the reserve for three years.

But during their sojourn in Naas Military Barracks the boys will also undergo military and physical training, and educational training in Irish, English, history, mathematics, mechanical drawing and religious knowledge. Fully qualified teachers and instructors have been engaged, and one of the local curates will give lectures in religious knowledge.

The main idea behind the schools – the first of its type to be established by the army is “to provide training in certain basic trades with a view to the maintenance of a supply of skilled personnel for the defence forces.” The system of training will be up to first-class civilian standards, and the trade union organisations have agreed that men trained and qualified under the system can be admitted as members of the appropriate unions.

So, on their return to civilian life, if they so choose, they will be qualified tradesmen, entitled to occupy union jobs.

RECRETIONAL FACILITIES

Due to the fact that they will only be allowed outside the barracks on week-ends the boys will want plenty to do during their spare time, and the authorities have “laid-on” excellent recreational facilities for them.

Physical training actually comprises part of the curriculum, but the boys will also be encouraged to spend a great deal out of their leisure hours playing outdoor games, such as hurling and football. Boots, togs, balls, etc., are supplied to them and practising will present no difficulty, as there is a fine field behind the barracks.

Next year they intend entering teams in the county juvenile and minor grades, and they hope to emulate the feat of the Cadets by winning the championship on the first go.

Besides outdoor activities the boys will be able to participate in various indoor pastimes. They will have the benefit of a fully equipped gymnasium and basketball court, and if they don’t feel too energetic they can play darts, rings, draughts, table tennis, etc., in their own recreation hall, where a wireless set has been installed. But one of the boys told a Leinster Leader reporter, there is a drawback. He sounded a bit disappointed as he said he would not be able to listen to “Top Twenty,” due to “lights out” being at 11 p.m.

BETTER THAN HOME

During a tour of the school our reporter was introduced to several of the boys, picked at random as he looked around. Four of them, room-mates, composed a very interesting quartet. All of them come from Dublin and seem to have a similar liking for the pursuit of hobbies and games. Of the four, three are footballers and the other a hurler.

Looking very comfortable in their billet, which they share with a senior boy, they related how well they liked their new jobs. Except for the first couple of days they have not kissed home, and are now perfectly happy and settled. One lad, who seemed most enthusiastic about his new station in life, said it was “much better than home — home was never like this.” (His name is withheld for security reasons — his security).

Each of the boys has his own particular hobby. The smallest of the four appears to be something of an expert on radio mechanics. Out of bits and scraps he has manufactured a radio set capable of picking up programmes from the Irish station. Asked to explain its workings, he said it was a crystal set, and from there he embarked into its technicalities, which sounded very impressive.

Another boy makes model aeroplanes, and a third model ships. He produced a sample of his work, which looked extremely well. The fourth member of the group was a straightforward youth, admitting that he “could make anything” out of timber or metal.

In the course of his look around our reporter was impressed by the happiness of all the boys, who certainly do not seem at a loss for home. They are taking all the new regulations in their stride and like the idea of being paid schoolboys.

SCHOOL’S STAFF

The officer commanding the school is Lieut-Colonel J. McDonald, and Commdt. J. Kilcullen is chief instructor. Possibly the best known members of the staff are Sergt-Major Bill Jackson, a former prominent Roscommon footballer, and Sergt. McBennett, one of the army’s leading physical training instructors.

The school will not reach its full complement for another two years, when the entire garrison, including 165 trainees, will number about 200.